Loves - The Ex Gurlfriend EP

by Sarah Maybank

published: 21 / 1 / 2009

Label: Fortuna POP!
Format: CDS

intro

Infectious new download only single from Cardiff-based indiepop act the Loves

Multiply a rubbish love life with the tedium of waiting in the wings for the past nine years as the next big thing, and you catch the Loves in a low-key mood for this disillusioned three-song EP. Which could all be a bit depressing were it not for the fact that Simon Love’s pop genius gene hasn’t yet cottoned onto the fact that things aren’t quite going to plan. So you get embittered title track ‘The Ex-Gurlfriend’, a seductive, prowling panther of a thing powered by sinister, squelchy keyboards and shared boy-girl vocals. Then there’s ‘The Johnny Angelo Blues’, a sprawling, JD- sodden bar room blues workout that packs as much fizz as festering intent. And age-difference lament ‘Around & Around’, which,although it may put off all but Loves superfans at first with its cheeky off-key vocals, still boasts enough melodic nous to have you singing along with gusto from about the second time you listen to it. Poor Loves - still can’t do any wrong, even when it’s going wrong.

Track Listing:-

1 The Ex-Gurlfriend
2 Johnny Angelo Blues
3 Around & Around

Band Links:-

http://www.simonlove.org
http://www.facebook.com/simonloverules
http://www.twitter.com/simonloverules

Label Links:-

http://www.fortunapop.com/
https://twitter.com/fortunapop
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Fortuna-POP/202756739792517

Have a Listen:-

interviews

Interview (2007)

Simon Love, the front man with bubblegum punks the Loves, has hired and fired nearly 30 musicians since forming the Loves in his parents' garage in 2000. Sarah Maybank speaks to him about this and his group's much acclaimed second album the Loves

Interview (2002)

live reviews

Toynbee Arts Cafe, London, 21/2/2003

With their debut album out shortly, Cardiff's the Loves are one of the great hopes of British indie pop. Gary Wollen finds their "crash, bang, wallop concoction of the coolest 60's underground chic" and "Bubblegum accessibility" to be irresistible

London Betsey Trotwood, 24/5/2002